Written by Abstract Samm
This time last year, you could barely recognize River Street from the lack of tourists wandering around with Wet Willie’s Cups in tow. Never in our time here in Savannah’s Historic District did any of us consider the idea that downtown could be a ghost city (more so than what we’re used to in one of America’s most haunted cities) at 3pm on a Saturday. Right at the height of quarantine restrictions, a local or two could still be spotted riding their bikes or playing Pokemon, but Savannah truly was a “ghost town” during those months. Even St. Patrick’s Day, one of the largest celebrations in the country, fell victim to the quarantine, something that we never saw coming. But, like everyone, we did our best to stay inside, only yell at our neighbors from across the street, and stayed masked up in the moments that we had to get out and explore due to sheer cabin fever.
Now here we are, over a year later and guess what? The City of Savannah has actually approved the 4th of July celebrations for this year and we cannot be more excited! For some of us, locals and visitors, the fireworks held on the riverfront are a part of the planned traditions that we look forward to all year long. This year, we are not just looking forward to the fireworks, but being able to celebrate together, as a city, safely, of course. Keep on reading to see what we have got going on in Savannah for the 4th of July this year, along with Savannah Sip N’ Cycle #PartyBike tours, Pedicab tours and just general hype debauchery. Keep on reading to find out where to watch the fireworks this year and what other events are happening that weekend. If you know anything about holidays in Savannah, you know that we go hard any chance we get, just come around for St. Patrick’s Day if you think anything otherwise.
Savannah Stars & Stripes @ Savannah Plant Riverside District
5.0 ★
First off, there’s SO much more than fireworks happening this year. Do you like mini golf? Well Plant Riverside (the new side of River Street) will be offering FREE mini golf all weekend from 1-5 pm.
Plant Riverside is going out of their way this year to make the holiday weekend enjoyable. From 3-5 pm, line up along the river for a Freedom Boat Parade. We love a good boat parade here, remind us to mention the Christmas lights boat parade when we get closer to December.
The four-day event at Plant Riverside District will offer free live music and performances by Savannah Cirque, mini golf, a boat parade, and food and drink options for all ages. Plant Riverside District is also a sponsor of the Savannah’s Waterfront Independence Day Fireworks Show, which will light up the sky directly across from Plant Riverside District on Sunday, July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
Free live music performances from various musicians will be happening throughout the weekend and once you have tired yourself out from all of the excitement, just look around for the signs. Thirteen different restaurants in the area will be offering deals on food and drinks, not counting the many bars that will surely be hosting some sort of coupon style drinking options.
Along with all of the festivities happening that weekend, be on the lookout for Savannah Cirque and the awesome performances they will be hosting. The best part of all that is going on? Yes, it can get EVEN BETTER. Savannah is offering 5$ flat rate parking throughout all of the parking garages. If you’ve ever gotten a parking ticket downtown, you will celebrate even more than the tourists. Side note to consider if you’re coming out to watch any of the shows happening. Blankets and chairs are encouraged for those who would like to keep their spots saved but try not to bring coolers out. With all of the deals happening for food and drink in the area, you’ll have no trouble finding beer or whatever it is you might prefer.
Already known for the recent construction being finished, the Riverside Plant District is not just a place to visit for the epic July 4th weekend, but is worth a trip anytime. Renditions of classic pieces, various art studios and even giant dinosaur fossils can be found without much searching. Even if the Independence Day celebration is not quite what you are on the search for while you are in Savannah, the Riverside Plant District is definitely worth a visit during any time of the year. Outside of the general downtown area, many areas right outside of the city will also be open for this weekend. From Fort McCallister to Tybee Island, everyone in this general location has been looking forward to city sanctioned events happening.
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Watch the Fireworks from the Savannah Riverboat
4.4 ★
As we all know, the fireworks are displayed on the River and the most crowded location will be along River Street. But did you know that you can book a cruise on the Savannah riverboat that will allow you to see the fireworks from on the river? Nothing is more special than watching the glorious fireworks from the river! This breathtaking experience is truly a must at least once in your life! I recommend booking sooner than later because the coveted fireworks time slot sells out fast!
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Book a Party Bike Tour
Drink & Ride! Did you know that the #PartyBike will be running during the 4th? Go ahead and book your tour now, spots fill up fast with the tickets starting at just 25$ per seat!
Rooftop View at Homewood Suites by Hilton Savannah
4.5 ★
If you’re staying for the weekend, you might even want to look into booking a room at Homewood Suites by Hilton Savannah/Historic Riverfront. There is a rooftop view that is a prime location for view of the river, whether there are fireworks to be enjoyed or not. A truly majestic viewpoint of the entire celebration from the rooftop perspective will make the evening a long enduring memory and potentially a new tradition!
Electric Moon Skytop Lounge
4.3 ★
When you are searching for the rooftop location straight out of your dreams, but are not quite dedicated to an entire hotel stay on the river, the Electric Moon Skytop Lounge is not just a fancy name (with equally fancy drinks to match) but also a killer view of the River, and a prime fireworks watch spot.
Savannah River Street
5.0 ★
In general, any spot on River Street is THE spot to watch fireworks. With a show this large, and how excited we have all been to get back out there to enjoy some time together, you are not going to miss out on the antics if you are anywhere near the river when 9:15 hits. If you are dedicated to the perfect Instagram post or TikTok video, you will want to be on River Street as early as possible that day. Crowds are bound to start taking over the area quite early so a spot on the river will be worth it’s space in gold. No matter where you end up on the river, you will be able to enjoy the show.
Conclusion
No matter what your plans are for this weekend and any other, do not forget to take some time here on the Savannah Sip N’ Cycle blog to see what we are covering that week. From local plays to Instagram worthy photo ops and back to drinking games, there is a little bit of everything here on the blog. If it is worthy of being written about, we are on it or have already covered it. Can’t wait to see you during your visit to Savannah’s Historic District. If you are planning a trip here, or never want to leave, we’ve got you covered here at Savannah Sip N’ Cycle. If you would like to find out more about us here on the #PartyBike just click the FAQ tab or follow us on Instagram and Facebook where we love to post videos and pictures of our antics, and hopefully yours too!